I’ve been following the work of Utah-based Lifestyle / Portrait photographer Brooke Snow for some time and have thought about taking one of her portrait and lifestyle workshops.

Though different in style and approach of Craig Fritz & Kitty Clark Fritz of Twin Lens, Jeff Ascough and Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai whom I emulate on many levels,  there’s something genuine and quite beautiful about Brooke’s work. And with scores complimentary reviews of her workshops (by more than a few UK photographers I admire) – and a recent desire to incorporate new techniques and approaches into my work, I signed up for an Advanced workshop…and here I am. Week one.

I am specifically interested in the art of helping clients relax, find a freedom and a space to be, helping them position themselves in ways that are flattering, ways that reinforce their personality, their spirit, their presence. And be mindful of this within a context of lighting, of composition and that moment Henri Cartier-Bresson so accurately called: “the decisive moment” which is that quintessential split second when all the elements you could possibly hope for converge together into perfection. For me, that moment has always been found remaining in the background and waiting for it. And while that has, can and still will be a part of my approach, I’ve wanted to be more mindful of how to coax that moment to life.

For week one I chose to work with two of my closest friends and wanted to photograph at their home. They are roommates, friends, artists and fellow creatives, and as one thing I’ve wanted to give them, is a portrait of their friendship and their life together as BFFs.

We were asked to provide our three photographs for critique which I’ve done…do know these are not in my view the best photographs but I chose them for feedback and discussion so I can learn and grow. I’ve posted the others separately - part 1 and part 2.